The legacy of Rajesh Khanna, India's first cinematic superstar, is often painted with the broad brush of phenomenal success followed by a period of perceived decline. However, a new, intimate perspective emerges from someone who stood by him in his final chapter. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, Anita Advani, who cared for the legendary actor for twelve years until his passing, shares a heartfelt narrative that challenges the common belief of a bitter superstar, revealing instead a man who had found peace.
A Legacy Beyond Stardom: The Man Behind the Myth
Rajesh Khanna, born on December 29, 1942, redefined stardom in Indian cinema. Making his debut in 1966 with 'Aakhri Khat', he went on to deliver an unprecedented string of blockbusters, captivating a nation. His journey from dizzying heights to a quieter phase is well-documented. Popular narratives often suggest this later period left him embittered. Anita Advani, who was his close companion and caretaker, firmly dispels this notion in an exclusive recollection.
"I would not say bitter," Advani clarifies, reflecting on the late actor's state of mind. "He had also come to terms with his failure." She describes a poignant ritual that symbolized his detachment. A large portrait of the actor in his prime hung in his hall. Advani recalls, "He would always point at it and say, 'I have detached myself from him.'" According to her, Rajesh Khanna never bragged about his past glory and often avoided the topic altogether, indicating a profound sense of acceptance.
Life in the Later Years: Lavish Lunches and Loyal Friends
While he spent most of his days at home during this phase, Anita Advani insists he was not restless. A cherished part of his daily routine was hosting elaborate lunches. "Every day. Every day, he had a lavish lunch," she states, painting a picture of continued warmth and sociability. These gatherings were sustained by a circle of steadfast friends who remained loyal even when his health faltered.
Names like Mohan Kumar, Johnny Bakshi, and Jimmy Nirula are mentioned as those who dropped in regularly. This counters the idea of a lonely or abandoned figure, highlighting the genuine relationships that endured beyond the spotlight's glare. Advani acknowledges the complexities of his personality, stating, "He was difficult at times, but he was also very nice at times. He was one person you couldn't leave once you got close to him."
A Final Farewell and Lasting Memory
Rajesh Khanna left the mortal world in 2012, but for those like Anita Advani, his memory is a daily presence. "I miss him every day, every moment," she shares. Her account provides a crucial, humanizing layer to the story of a megastar. It reveals a man who, after experiencing the zenith of fame, navigated its ebb with dignity and a quiet detachment, finding solace in simple pleasures and the company of true friends.
This intimate portrait reminds us that the measure of a legend is not just in the peaks scaled but also in the grace with which one accepts the changing seasons of life. Rajesh Khanna's story, as told by his caretaker, is ultimately one of profound personal peace.
